Career in Cybersecurity

Success = Hard work + Prayers

Career Prospect

As of August 2025, there are approximately 750,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in the United States. This figure reflects a persistent talent gap in the field, despite aggressive hiring efforts across government, defense, healthcare, finance, and tech sectors.

  • Cybersecurity Ventures projects the global shortage to remain at 3.5 million unfilled roles, with the U.S. accounting for nearly one-quarter of that demand.
  • Maryland alone—home to NSA and U.S. Cyber Command—is seeing a surge, with over 24% of IT job postings requiring cyber skills and average starting salaries exceeding $100K.
  • Entry-level roles like SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, and GRC Support are among the most in-demand.

Academic Prerequisites

Most programs expect you to have completed these in high school or early college:

  • Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and ideally Pre-Calculus or Calculus
  • Science: Physics or Computer Science (if available)
  • English: Strong writing and communication skills for technical documentation
  • Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with operating systems, file structures, and basic troubleshooting

Foundational College Courses

Once enrolled, you'll typically start with:

  • Intro to Computer Science (e.g., Python, Java, or C++)
  • Discrete Mathematics or Linear Algebra
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Operating Systems Concepts
  • Ethics in Technology or Cyber Law
  • Information Security Basics

Skills to Develop

Cybersecurity majors are expected to build proficiency in:

  • Data Analysis
  • Computer Programming
  • Risk Assessment and Threat Modeling
  • Security Principles and Practices
  • Legal and Ethical Decision-Making in IT

Common Entry-Level Cybersecurity Roles

These positions typically require a bachelor’s degree and foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+, Network+, or CEH:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitor systems, detect threats, respond to incidents, and maintain security tools
  • SOC Analyst (Level 1): Work in a Security Operations Center to triage alerts and escalate threats
  • IT Security Analyst: Review security trends, recommend improvements, and support compliance
  • GRC Support Analyst: Assist with governance, risk, and compliance documentation and audits
  • System Administrator: Maintain secure systems, patch vulnerabilities, and support users
  • Help Desk Analyst: Provide technical support with a focus on security hygiene and access control

"Security is not a product, but a process." 

 

Bruce Schneier